For XPN Artist To Watch, Trombone Shorty, measuring success doesn’t necessary seem like it equates to album sales or tangible assets. For Shorty it appears more about creation, collaboration and the excitement of the music he plays. It’s a veteran like perspective, but that’s not surprising coming from the 24 year old virtuoso. He’s been leading bands since the age of 6, long before he arms could even extend the length of his instrument, and even less surprising from Shorty is his inspiring debut album for Verve, Backatown.

For years, Shorty was been sought after for his energetic on-stage personality. In his native New Orleans, his talents have long been championed. Yet, translating his charisma to the studio coupled with the fact that the primary ‘voice’ is the horn which he plays didn’t necessary seem like it would add up to a breakthrough type experience. We learn pretty quickly while listening to Backatown not to bet against Shorty. Talent can’t be denied, and from the start of the album songs like the rousing instrumental "Hurricane Season" are undeniable.

Backatown. Kravitz appears on the seductive "Something Beautiful." Fellow Bayou twenty-something Marc Broussard is on the rock-leaning "Right To Complain" and the legendary Allen Toussaint tickles the keys on the version of his own song "On Your Way Down."

A product of New Orleans' historical and musical Treme neighborhood, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has been a musician
since he was smaller than the trombone he plays. A bandleader by the age of 16, Andrews attracts both older and younger
generations of fans with his virtuosity and energy.

He attended the prestigious New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (graduates including Harry Connick Jr. and Irvin Mayfield). In 2006, Andrews entered the national spotlight by performing
"The Saints are Coming" on Monday Night Football in his native New Orleans with superstars U2 and Green Day. He has also
appeared on several television shows, including a Christmas episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. The resulting singles
from both performances were unexpected hits, bringing him more exposure.

Mixing a blend of funk, hip hop and jazz he dubbed 'supafunkrock', Andrews and his band blur the lines of contemporary
music, earning praise from fans, critics, and even some of the biggest names in music. Despite his age, Andrews has proven
himself a force to be reckoned with. Although only in his early 20s, Andrews has made a name for himself by performing with acts like
Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, and the Marsalis brothers. By 2009, Andrews had assembled a band. His new group, Orleans Avenue,
mixes funk and hip-hop aesthetics with his traditional brass instrumentation. Excelling at trumpet and trombone, he brings
his youthful energy and expertise to both.

Trombone Shorty's latest, Backatown, was released in April to enthusiastic reviews.

Backatown is a mix of energetic influences, true to Shorty's reputation. Trombone Shorty goes from the easiest funk to hard fusion and then to smart hip-hop without a hitch. Perhaps the Rolling Stone review puts it best with "Backatown is both deeply rooted and culturally omnivorous."